FIFA World Cup preview: Portugal and Spain set to cruise through Group B

The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 14. Leading up to the tourney, we’ll offer our previews and predictions for each of the eight groups. Today, a look at Group B:

Portugal

FIFA Rank (as of June 8, 2018): 4

Bestplayer: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Arguably the world’s best footballer, Ronaldo has over a goal per game in his time at Real Madrid with 311 goals in 292 matches. He is Portugal’s most-capped player and top goal-scorer. He has the ability to change a game by himself.

Onetowatch: Goncalo Guedes (Valencia)

The 21-year-old winger was forced on loan to Valencia from PSG after the arrival of stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. He recorded five goals and nine assists for the club in the La Liga this season. Whether the youngster starts for Portugal or not is still up in the air.

Outlook:

Portugal comes into the World Cup as the reigning European champions. The goal for this team is to win and anything short of that will be a failure, especially for a 33-year-old Ronaldo, who has accomplished almost everything except capture a World Cup.

Spain

FIFArank: 10

Bestplayer: David de Gea (Manchester United)

De Gea was remarkable this season for United after capturing 18 clean sheets in the Premier League. (Insert video)

One to watch: Besides every other player on their team, Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)

Thiago, a 27-year-old midfielder, will start every game for Spain and has turned into a superstar at Bayern. He’s a phenomenal passer of the ball and quick with his feet.

Outlook:

Spain has the best goalkeeper in the world, along with a stellar defence and dominant midfield. The only issue they can run into is their lack of finish. Their forward group of Iago Aspas, Diego Costa and Rodrigo are good enough, but will they perform?

Iran

A strong striker, the 23-year-old has proven himself to be a prolific goal-scorer for his country, scoring 23 times in 32 appearances.

One to watch: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar)

Jahanbakhsh had himself a brilliant season in the Eredivisie this season, as he became the first Asian player to become a top scorer in a major European League with his 21 league goals.

Outlook:

Iran is playing in their fifth World Cup and for the first time has qualified back-to-back. Iran went winless at the 2014 World Cup and their only hope in improving their record will be against Morocco.

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